This May Be Our Last Print Edition, but It Isn't Goodbye

A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • May 2020 AWARE IS GOING DIGITAL!

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THAT'S IT! See you next month! MAY 2020

The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. Established in 1956 We are a vibrant organization of international women. Our mission is to welcome and empower women to connect AWARE IS GOING DIGITAL! and contribute in Hong Kong.

AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM EDITOR Stephanie Chan T h i s m a y b e o u r l a s t [email protected] 3 ASSISTANT EDITOR Samantha Merton p r i n t e d i t i o n , CONTRIBUTORS 5 Rachel Bourke Annie Fifer J’nee Hilgers-Easter Contents b u t i t i s n ' t g o o d b y e . . . Nimmi Malhotra Beth McNicholas Chiara Rodriquez Vasavi Seethepalli News from the Board 2 Gail Sousa To ensure that you keep receiving your Grant Recipient Spotlight: Hong Kong GRAPHICS Alzheimer’s Disease Association 3 Jacky Ngan AWAre digitally, update your preferences ADVERTISING MANAGER Better Know a Member: Tracey-Lee Hayes 4 Rehana Sheikh 6 via the AWA website. [email protected] Green Seeds Q&A: J’nee Hilgers-Easter 5 An Entrepreneur with a Passion: Karena Belin 6

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News from the Board By Gail Sousa, 2nd Vice President, Membership 2020. A new decade, a fresh start. But who would have fundraiser gala planned for late March, the team quickly guessed the challenges and new normal that we would shifted their focus to a virtual gala. Their dedication to all be presented with? ensuring that funds would still be raised for two local I am in my final months of serving on the AWA board charities, Breakthrough and Changing Young Lives as vice president of membership. There have been so Foundation, is truly commendable. A special thank-you many wonderful experiences, people and achievements goes out to Augusta Nichols-Even, Barbora Mayer and along the way. It’s been inspiring to watch two strong Tiffany Broeckelman for the incredible hours that went presidents, Andrea Roth and Priyanka Agarwal, as into a successful fundraising event. they’ve guided the board and AWA through so many Another adaptation that we are making is changing challenges, from the creation of the AWA Foundation to AWAre to a digital-only format, starting with the June/July/ last year’s protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. August issue. Editor Stephanie Chan and her team have During the 2018-2019 term we created extensive worked incredibly hard each month to bring you an handover documents to make the transition more attractive and informative publication. As sad as it is to seamless for incoming board members. It was a lot of say goodbye to the hard copy, the board made the work, but critical to making the difficult decision that continued monthly onboarding process easier. Good luck to print production was too costly. The our new officers and a thank-you to upside is that this move aligns with those I served with. AWA’s increased focus on “going What I loved most about being VP of green” and conserving resources. membership was the opportunity to meet Stephanie’s term on the board is also and greet new members. At our quarterly ending, so after closing the summer new member receptions it was always issue, she will be transitioning her editor fun to learn something unique about our role to her successor, Vasavi members. The talent amongst us is Seethepalli. One of Vasavi's tasks amazing. Other highlights were moving forward will be working with the overseeing and updating a sold-out AWAre team and the board to determine welcome back breakfast; reaching our the length, frequency and format of turnout goals for our holiday party each AWAre from fall 2020 onward. of the last two years; and being able to Finally, a big THANK-YOU goes out thank the members who give so graciously of their time at to all of you, our members. The 2019-2020 term has been our spring volunteer reception. difficult and ever-changing. You have all been incredibly What saddens me as I prepare to end my term is our adaptive and understanding when we’ve had to cancel recent drop in membership. Our numbers remained events or change what is offered. The entire board strong and increasing for many years, but as with so appreciates what has been achieved through your many things, the situation has changed at such a quick willingness to persevere and recognize what AWA can pace. Many expats have left Hong Kong and the still do and give. economic outlook, not just locally but around the world, is In these unsettling times, we’ve all had the opportunity uncertain. What’s clear is that we will have to do with less to stop and be present, to think outside the box and income and be creative on spending and recruiting. dream of new ways to live. There has been a global rise We are all adapting and finding our new routines. For in togetherness; and amongst the chaos there has been example, in March the board held its monthly meeting via community. Thank you for being a part of my community. Zoom for the first time (but likely not the last). One of the biggest displays of effective adapting Welcome New Members came from our gala committee, led by co-chairs Tracey- Lee Hayes and Annie Fifer. After making the difficult but Sue Koenig necessary decision to cancel the Under the Sea Marion Williams

2 AWARE May 2020 FEATURE Grant Recipient Update: Hong Kong Alzheimer's Disease Association’s Dementia Cafés By Beth McNicholas, Charitable Donations Committee Chair

created a WhatsApp group to continue communicating with and supporting each other. During the caregiver sessions, the people with dementia also enjoyed their own activity sessions where they played games, sang and did exercises. After the caregiver talk finished, the caregivers joined the patients and they socialized together. The feedback from the 84 questionnaires collected was overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of caregivers expressing satisfaction with the information and support provided by the Dementia Cafés and 93% of caregivers saying their caring stress had been lessened by the emotional support and experience of sharing with other caregivers. What struck me most when I read the follow-up report I AM BACK with another update on one of our worthy 2018 from the HKADA was how important it is to remember the grant recipients, the Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease caregiver when addressing the needs of dementia patients. Association (HKADA). I would bet that most of you reading Emotional support for people taking care of dementia patients this article have had someone in your life with dementia or is recognized as being critical, given that it is both a Alzheimer’s disease, which involves a deterioration in physically and emotionally difficult job. It really is humbling to memory, thinking and behavior that has a significant impact see how a small amount of money can make such a big on one’s ability to handle everyday tasks. According to the difference. World Health Organization, approximately 50 million people around the world have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. In Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority estimates that dementia affects 5%-8% of the population over age 65 and 20-30% of those over 80. CARPET WASHING & REPAIRS Dementia leaves older people dependent on others and has a significant physical, psychological, social, and PROFESSIONALS economic impact on those suffering from it, as well as their CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES caregivers, family members and society at large. Our cleaning and repair services are the best Organizations like the HKADA work hard to serve both in Hong Kong. Free pickup and delivery. dementia patients and those who are living with and caring for them, and also educate the community on brain health and preventative strategies. The AWA grant of HK$16,500 supported the refreshments for HKADA’s Dementia Cafés, which happened once per month in their Jean Wei Centre (Wan Chai) and Brain Health Centre (Kowloon). The HKADA hosted a total of 24 sessions — 12 in each center. They included a Christmas party and a Chinese New Year party, as well as sessions on topics such as caregivers’ stress and stress management; caring for people with advanced stage dementia; and the application of technology in daily caring. A total of 55 dementia patients and SHOP IN YOUR HOME 84 caregivers participated in the cafés. You can buy a carpet in the comfort of your home. The project was considered very successful both in terms (We can bring the carpets to you with no obligation.) of participation and feedback. The Dementia Cafés provided a safe, relaxing environment for the caregivers and people CALL : 9018 0897 / 2851 3665 with dementia. The guest speakers provided a lot of useful EMAIL : [email protected] information to the caregivers, and helped lift their spirits as WEBSITE : Iqbalcarpets.hk well. The interaction between the caregivers was one of the ADDRESS : G/F. 21 PO TUNG RD. SAIKUNG most positive aspects of the program, and they have even

May 2020 AWARE 3 FEATURE

Better Know a Member: Tracey-Lee Hayes

and the beating heart of the city, it becomes a village. I love to explore without a map and find hidden alleys, eateries and nonbranded shops. Living in a city of high-rises means you get to know your neighbors and neighborhood very well. What do you most dislike or find most challenging about HK? Humidity in summer meaning two or three showers a day. What do you wish someone had told you in advance of your move? [That I should] prepare my summer wardrobe to deal with humidity. Where are you going on your next trip? It would have been Vietnam for a family reunion, but with current global issues it will be Sydney for our relocation. Who are your favorite writers? At school my favorite How long have you lived in Hong Kong? In May it will be six teacher was the history teacher who would weave an years. engaging tale of Napoleonic history. [So] the authors l love How long do you think you are going to stay/live in Hong are novelists who enthrall us with stories around some of Kong? The finish line is around the corner: we leave Hong history’s most fascinating characters. Philippa Gregory’s Kong on August 1. novels created a[n] interest in the Tudors, and living in the Where are you from, and where have you lived? Born in UK, l was fortunate to visit many of the historical landmarks of Harare, Zimbabwe. I have had the opportunity to live in this era. Noel Barber’s insight into life during and after World Kwekwe and Harare in Zimbabwe; Johannesburg and Cape War II wove tales of deceit, heartbreak, love and the intricacy Town in South Africa; London, United Kingdom; and Hong of humankind. Conn Iggulden’s series on Julius Caesar and Kong. Genghis Khan taught me the history of two “genius,” albeit Children/family status? Two marriages with four lovely brutal, warriors. children between us: daughters aged 27, 25 and 22 (who Who is your hero of fiction? Snoopy from Peanuts. As a also starred in our 2019 AWA fashion show) and a son aged child l was very shy and l always admired Snoopy’s gallant 25. personality, his flamboyant world and best of all his humor. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Family holidays Which historical figures do you most admire? Anyone who with many of our tribe. did or does fight racism. I love this quote from Nelson What is your greatest fear? The extinction of wild animals Mandela: “No one is born hating another person because of and the polluting of our planet. the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People Which living person do you most admire? Naming two: must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela! I live in hope that we taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human can learn from their admirable traits and the way they chose heart than its opposite.” to live their lives despite the many hurdles they faced. Who are your heroes in real life? First responders, firemen, If you could change one thing about yourself, what would medics, nurses. it be? Oratory prowess! How would you like to die? On a mountaintop whilst hiking What have been your favorite AWA moments? Working on alone with the sky gods. Tibetan Buddhists believe that if the three fundraisers (two fashion shows and [the] gala), eagles come and eat the body, it means that the dead organizing local and Asian tours and seeing the positive [person had] no sin and that his or her soul has gone effect these events and activities have had for the club and peacefully to paradise. I would love to soar with the eagles! for charities. But best of all, forming lifelong friendships. What do you most love about Hong Kong? The city “Better Know a Member” is a series highlighting the diversity of AWA’s membership. To suggest a subject (or to volunteer yourself!), please appears large but really, once you discover the inner lanes contact Annie Fifer at [email protected].

4 AWARE May 2020 FEATURE

Green Seeds Q&A: J’nee Hilgers-Easter Please introduce yourself and your family briefly. How do you encourage your family to jump on I’m J'nee (pronounced Jaynee) and I am the current chair of board? branding and communications for the AWA. My husband, Because we all experienced the floating trash mass together, Nate, works for a Hong Kong-based company called we didn't have to do much encouraging. In addition, while at Techtronic Industries and together we have three HKIS, all three of my kids learned how to reduce their carbon adventurous, Hong Kong-loving kids. footprint by eating less meat and more veggies, plus they were encouraged to carry a refillable water bottle. In addition, When and how did you start your green journey? my husband's role in global sourcing has allowed him to I grew up in Minnesota, which is known as the "Land of make [greener] choices on a very large scale for his 10,000 Lakes." Our family owns a lake home 90 miles from company, especially with their packaging. the Canadian border and we would spend our summers "up north." Keeping our lakes sparkling clean and being What challenges have you experienced? environmentally friendly has always been part of my family's One of the personal challenges I had was "greening" the DNA. For example, my sister was our “citizen scientist” and many events that I used to work on. In some cases, the would measure and track the water clarity of our lake using a decision was made for me. For example, one client made Secchi disk for the Department of Natural Resources. helium balloons off-limits and I did weddings for two teachers [who] wanted to share items, as long as they could be styled Did you experience something like a “Green Bang” to their very different tastes and color [schemes]. I gradually moment? built a portfolio of green ideas for decorations, invitations, etc. Yes! [One] spring break, our family visited Langkawi, In addition, I invested in reusable supplies and committed Malaysia and decided to do a Jet Ski tour out to a group of to storing them (which can be expensive in Hong Kong). It islands where we were going to snorkel. We were briefed by took a bit of work to get some venues to recycle things like our guide that if [one of] our Jet Ski[s] suddenly stopped it cardboard boxes, and that still remains a work in progress. Plus, I repurpose all kinds of things. I often reimagine discarded construction items into things like giant mushrooms and sunflowers, and after my events gift them to schools, student programs or churches with the added bonus of keeping them out of Hong Kong's limited garbage dumps.

How would you encourage others to make simple changes? Some super simple changes are [to carry] a refillable water bottle, stuff a reusable shopping bag in your purse, recycle what you can, read the labels of your hand soap and facial was probably due to something getting stuck in the engine, scrubs to avoid buying products that contain microplastic and he would dive in and remove it. What he failed to and do this wherever you travel! describe [was] our need to drive through a field of floating trash before accessing "clear" open water. How has your green journey made you feel? It was eye-opening to experience the staggering amount of To paraphrase Jane Goodall, any small change is important floating trash that stretched as far as I could see. Our legs because when you multiply all the small changes by a lot of dragged through used chip bags, plastic bottles, medicine people, we can make a BIG collective difference. bottles, laundry detergent containers and God knows what as we drove our Jet Skis through the floating garbage dump. Ever since In one short sentence, how would you sum up your we have ramped up our avoidance of plastics. In fact, when thoughts and feelings about your green journey? planning a trip to any beach nowadays, we are on autopilot and Ongoing! pack a trash bag to collect any garbage we may find. —Chiara Rodriquez, Environmental Committee

May 2020 AWARE 5 FEATURE

Tips from an Entrepreneur with a Passion: Karena Belin By Vasavi Seethepalli, AWA WISE

WOMEN OFTEN RESIST the urge to venture out in business on their own. For beginners, it can be nerve-racking to enter uncharted territory. However, having the right mindset, skills and determination could be the precursor to a successful startup. Karena Belin, co-founder of Hong Kong-based WHub (https://whub.io/), a platform for the startup community, has advice for those looking to launch their own business. “Become comfortable with the uncomfortable” is Karena’s mantra, and rightfully so. Implicit in the idea of a startup is the premise of forgoing stability in order to follow your passion and make an impact. Here Karena expands on the vast possibilities of striking out on your own and how to maneuver through the unknown. Karena Belin Take us through your transition from a full-time Tell us a bit about WHub. corporate career to setting up your own business, Our mission [is] to foster startups, to accelerate their growth WHub. and scale their business. We act as a power connector and I didn’t wake up one day and say, “I am an entrepreneur.” provide the resources a startup requires. Whether you are The idea initialized while I was working at Procter & Gamble. I looking for a co-founder, or you already have a small team took a sabbatical for two years. As I made up my mind, I told and you wish to push your idea forward, we provide an P&G and they took me off the payroll. After working 15 years updated business events calendar, workshops and at P&G, it was a huge paradigm shift — [going] from working conferences, access to acceleration or incubation programs, in a company with a strong corporate culture, where it felt like [and] collaboration with established companies for a family, [to] letting go of that security. It was a huge co-innovation opportunities or international expansion. commitment to myself to restart from scratch, but that’s when We are now running two platforms in parallel but under my passion kicked in and it was hard to let it slip. the same umbrella. [Startup investment platform] AngelHub, in partnership with WHub, strives to bring meaningful, positive What would you tell a novice entrepreneur? impact to the Asian startup ecosystem by enabling [startups] The startup model has a pragmatic approach [compared to] to scale and pushing [them] towards the next phase of a traditional business model. Very often it starts with a growth. problem you connect with personally and an idea to solve it, and you throw it out there to see if there is some traction. [If] In addition to being an entrepreneur, you are your idea bridges a gap in the market and some people are a wife, mother, and board member at your willing to pay, subscribe or come on board, [t]his is a good child’s school. How do you juggle these roles indicator to go ahead and register your company. One thing successfully? to remember is working, learning and failing is an important I don’t juggle successfully — I just learned to become part of the journey. comfortable with the uncomfortable. The diversity in these It is easy to get a business registered in Hong Kong. roles gives me energy and sometimes 24 hours is not Within 24 hours you can get your company and domain name enough. No one is perfect and that is OK. registered, which is straightforward and simple compared to where I come from [Germany and France].

6 AWARE May 2020 FEATURE

Some surveys have found that as women get older, their confidence level drops. What are your Resources for Budding Entrepreneurs views on this? After reading the question, the first thought that came to my Funding mind is, I’m probably not mentally old enough to answer this The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has a question. But jokes aside, […] in a startup environment you list of government grants and funding schemes: very quickly learn it is not about you. Here in a startup, there https://www.hkpc.org/en/support-resource/industry- is no room for age; if you have the passion and are persistent funding-support/funding-scheme enough, the rewards you reap are huge. AngelHub (https://angelhub.io/) is the only SFC What would you say to empower female (Securities and Futures Commission)-regulated entrepreneurs who wish to embark on a similar startup investment platform for professional investors path? and growth-stage startups scaling in Asia. In my experience, not getting feedback is the worst thing that Recommended Reading can happen to a startup. Failure or negative feedback is “Start with Why” (this book is the reason WHub certainly not easy to digest, but it's better than having no clue starts with “W”) and “The Infinite Game” by Simon [whether] your solution has potential. If plan A does not work, Sinek there are 25 other letters in the alphabet, so move on [to] “Loonshots: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That plan B, C, D, etc. The faster you test, the closer you are to the Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform solution that will stick and work. In addition, our world is Industries” by Safi Bahcall ambiguous, so I suggest you receive feedback but “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries eventually [just] make up your mind. [You can] call it “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel persistence — we call it #StartupPassion.

May 2020 AWARE 7 FEATURE

Photographer Julia Broad Gets Focused By J’nee Hilgers-Easter

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY may be over, but She was so excited that photographer Julia Broad has decided to make it she put 52 women on her International Women’s Year instead. Broad (who is frequently initial list, planning to shoot seen, camera in hand, documenting AWA events), recently one a week, but Manning launched a new passion project called “20 Women in 2020” helped her see that the where she tells the stories of some of Hong Kong’s female scope was too big. She change-makers, leaders, disrupters and innovators through then began to play with the her portraits and writing. “I believe more than ever, [that] we concept of 20 women in can use our powers for good and lift one another up through 2020, with a more sharing our stories,” Broad explained. manageable schedule of The idea for her project rose out of meetings with Hong about two shoots a month. Kong-based Australian growth coach Janine Manning. “I’ve After a slightly rocky been a photographer (as in, I list it as my occupation on start due to the COVID-19 forms) for eight years now and I wanted to gain clarity and pandemic, Broad has define myself and my work,” Broad said. She moved to Hong completed her first three Kong three years ago and launched a family portraiture stories. Her first set of business, Jules, Baby. Last year, she completed 187 shoots; portraits and her interview by December she felt tired and desired to do more with her with marketer Kay Ross can Julia Broad business. In a recent be found on her website, Instagram post, she juliabroad.com, and on her Instagram, @juliabroaddotcom. If explained that she had all goes well, she hopes the project will culminate in an produced so much work exhibition. that she felt crippled by not “I believe in this project and am excited to tell stories, knowing what to share and connect, open minds and hearts — not just for myself, but for how to share it. the larger community of women in this amazing place. With a She began monthly recession ahead, we will be stronger together,” Broad meetings with Manning concluded. where they began to focus on a career strategy anchored in her passions. “I can’t imagine my life without a camera in my hand and I love making portraits,” Broad said. After what she described as lots of self work and an Marketer Kay Ross, as shot by existential crisis, Broad Julia Broad for her "20 Women in decided that she wanted to 2020" series do a journalism project that cross-germinated all of her networks: environmentalists, teachers, artists, tech stars, disrupters, innovators and especially self-employed women like herself.

8 AWARE May 2020 FEATURE A Silver Linings Playbook Staying Busy During the Coronavirus Outbreak By Rachel Bourke

DURING THIS PANDEMIC, so many online resources are Colleen is learning about launching her coaching business, now free or heavily discounted that there are nearly unlimited organizing her photos and watching her kids make music options for learning new skills. and do challenges from their favorite online influencers. So I asked our community: how are you coping and Natasha is reading up on the effects the coronavirus will spending this time? have on the world via the Financial Times (“Yuval Noah Sarah is learning Spanish on DuoLingo (along 26.2 million Harari: The World After Coronavirus”) and Politico other learners!). (“Coronavirus Will Change the World Permanently. Here’s Parul is keeping fit with her daughter using online MadFit How.”). videos and taking long walks around the Peak and Repulse Ilene is watching Vogue editor Anna Wintour talk about Bay. She’s also taking a couple of advanced online courses creativity and leadership via MasterClass, and exploring for work. YouTube videos on doodling as a way of meditating. (Try Priya is doing the Yale course “The Science of Wellbeing” on “KTT 025 - Paradox Tessellations” by the YouTube channel the Coursera platform, which covers topics like Zentangle.) “Misconceptions About Happiness” and “Stuff that Really In her email to me, she put words to what I’ve been Makes Us Happy” with video lectures and "rewirement" feeling: “When the anxiety and doubt take over I ask, “How activities to help build happier habits. “It’s made me pause can I find the positive?” I try to have a routine and each and assess where I am at and what my strengths are. They morning I […] make a list of possibilities. On the back of the have sessions on meditation and a gratitude journal that I look page I keep track of all the silver linings and positive things forward to.” that happen and I check off the things on my list as I do them, Priyanka is also taking “The Science of Wellbeing” and doing but don't feel bad if I don't.” It is such a simple message, a long walks, yoga, and 15-minute meditation breaks. reminder to be gentle to ourselves.

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May 2020 AWARE 9 FEATURE The Comfort of Wine By Nimmi Malhotra

grape to grow, ever so demanding, but its expressions across the world are so varied I could spend months savoring them all. Felton Road Bannockburn from Central Otago, New Zealand is always in my wine fridge; a Burgundy red, like Côte de Nuits-Villages by Maison Joseph Drouhin, is another good option. A luscious juicy roast chicken with crisp potatoes served on the side brings back memories from Australia. My friend Sandra at The Age newspaper, in Melbourne, taught me how to roast, and since then many have added their tips to perfect my recipe. The latest rendition, from Alison Roman’s new cookbook, “Nothing Fancy,” involves TWO WEEKS of quarantine at home was going to be hard. I serving the chicken, carved up, on toasted sourdough bread. ferociously drew up plans — to write, to read, to learn, to The bread soaks up all the juices from the chook and melts in exercise. It was ambitious (perhaps overly so) and after ten your mouth. I prefer a soft-tannin red to go with it, usually a days of being at home, I have completed only half of my list. rendition of the sangiovese grape — Chianti, Brunello or Vino It’s the items that didn’t make my list that are giving me the Nobile de Montepulciano. Sangiovese, the grape of Tuscany, most comfort. I am home, after two months of being away, brings sunshine and warmth to my quarantine days. Earthy and my couch, my bed, my books are an unexpected luxury. and savory, sometimes fruity and round, sangiovese’s many I am cooking in my own kitchen — mostly comfort foods — guises are almost always reassuring. and reaching out for wines I have known for many years. Without dinners and drinks courtesy of Hong Kong’s These familiar grapes, producers and aromas are softening vibrant bar scene, the new bar is the Couch Bar and the new the impact of the news and social media. way to meet friends is Zoom. Last night, the drink of choice A hot bowl of dal, tempered with abundant garlic and was the bar staple, sauvignon blanc. My preference has aromatic curry leaves, is soul food. So many of my childhood shifted to the French rendition of sauvignon blanc rather than memories are intertwined with the creamy flavors of lentils: it’s New Zealand’s. Located in the Loire Valley, the Sancerre and a bowl of love and reassurance. Many claim Indian foods are Pouilly-Fumé regions both produce herbaceous, refreshing difficult to pair with wine, but I’ve found complements over sauvignons blancs labeled simply by the village name. the years. A crisp white with herbal notes, like gruner veltliner We caught up with our Spanish friends, locked up in from Austria, harmonizes with the coriander and mint I use as Madrid, with glasses of tempranillo wine from Protos in garnish. For my signature chicken curry, a pinot gris works Ribera del Duero, toasting our holiday together to the region beautifully. The bright acidity and ample body keeps pace two years ago. Over the weekend, there are plans to catch with the richness of the dish. A dry rosé from Provence or up with hiking friends — our drink of choice is Champagne, elsewhere in the south of France also works extremely well all the way. with my home cuisine. Four more days to go. The world outside my windows is I whip up a risotto whenever I miss my mum. I introduced changing every hour with new restrictions and closures, more her to a rich wild mushroom risotto many moons ago and she cases and more recoveries. Before long, we will be back to a immediately took to it. My preferred version these days is a new normal but for now, I will stay with my comforts — food, simple tomato risotto, and I pair it with pinot noir. It’s a fussy friends and wine.

10 AWARE May 2020 LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

Check the AWA website and/or subscribe to the AWA Forum for announcements about pop-up events happening in May! All activities are subject to the Hong Kong government’s directives on public gatherings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Arts/Crafts & Design Series: I Love Hong come and buy that lamp or umbrella stand that you have Kong Skyline Collage always wanted! WHEN: Monday, 4 May, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Register by Wednesday, 29 April Learn Cantonese – New Telephone Class WHERE: Wild at Art Studio, Central (Exact location Format will be emailed to participants) WHEN: Date and time to be agreed with teacher COST: $1460 member/$1520 member's guest WHERE: Over the phone CAPACITY: 4 min/10 max (excluding coordinator) COST: $660 member/$720 member’s guest COORDINATOR(S): Natalia Morrison 6415 9880 COORDINATOR(S): Natalia Morrison, [email protected] An art class for complete beginners, with failsafe gorgeous Looking to do something productive while you’re at home? results. We are all here because, one way or another, we love How about taking personalized, individualized beginner Asia's World City: Hong Kong! Hong Kong is a place of Cantonese classes over the phone with Lester, our very own spectacular views, both natural and manmade, as well as Cantonese guru! As we fight this pandemic, Lester is kindly iconic structures and scenes. And it is a home in need of love offering AWA members the chance to take four hours of his right now! Come and create your very own artistic homage to beginner classes at the hugely discounted price of $660! Hong Kong. You will be guided to blend paint and collage Reserve your spot through the website and Lester will follow methods to create a Hong Kong scene of your choice. This up to arrange dates and times to suit you. makes an amazing gift or keepsake; or just enjoy the session as a way to focus some positive vibes on our bruised city. Registration Procedures Local Tour and Activity (LTA) events are open for registration as of the first of each month in which the activity will be held. Activities being held in the early part of the following month are open for registration on the first day of the prior month. Check the AWA website at www.awa.org.hk for the most up-to-date schedule and don’t forget to register early as many of the events will sell out.

Refund, Cancellation and Substitution Policies Every activity includes an administrative fee of HK$60 Member/ HK$120 Member’s Guest. This base fee is not refundable at any time unless the AWA cancels the event. Charges in excess of the base fee are refundable if cancellation is received by the AWA office at least one full week before the activity date. For example, if the activity is on a Tuesday, cancellation must be received prior to midnight of Shopping Series: Shopping Morning at the previous Tuesday. If the AWA cancels an event, the entire Wah Tung China Arts Limited activity cost will be automatically credited to you. Credit notes WHEN: Thursday, 7 May, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM are not transferable and must be used within six months from (Approx.) the date of issue or by the end of the AWA fiscal year (30 WHERE: Meet at Admiralty MTR (inside) near M&S June), whichever is earlier. You may request a check in lieu of Foods a credit at any time before the credit expires. Owing to the COST: $60 member/$120 member's guest popularity of AWA activities, many have a wait list and CAPACITY: 6 min/20 max therefore substitutions cannot be accepted. If you are unable COORDINATOR(S): Barbara Galligan 6080 6523 to attend an activity, please, inform the AWA office to cancel Come and join us for a fabulous shopping morning at Wah your place and allow someone on the waitlist to attend. Tung China Arts. Wah Tung is a renowned manufacturer of *The $60 registration fee is purely an administration fee. It high-quality hand-painted decorative ceramics. They offer is not donated to the Charitable and Education fund. everything from sophisticated antiques to fine crockery. So May 2020 AWARE 11 CONTACT INFORMATION Ongoing Clubs and Sports The AWA’s many ongoing clubs and sports offer the most popular and easiest ways for members to make new friends. Keep busy and expand your network of friends with these activities, organized by AWA members for AWA members. One-time registration (at www.awa.org.hk) is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. ARTS/HOBBIES FOOD Afternoon Book Club Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] Galloping Gourmet Stella Athanas: [email protected] Karen Ferguson: [email protected] Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Art Lovers Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Maria Higgins: [email protected] Kumiko Matsushima: [email protected] Penny Soder: [email protected] Photography Group Angela Bellas: [email protected] Lunch Bunch Connie Albracht: [email protected] Sew It’s Thursday Connie Albracht: [email protected] SPORTS GAMES Globe Paddlers (Dragon Boat) Sarah Brundan: [email protected] Bridge and Lunch Social Wendy Maize: [email protected] Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] Games Galore (Mahjong Or Bridge) Beth Hall: [email protected] Golf Society Nicci Button and Tanya Keg: [email protected] Mahjong Madness Katherine Fenton: [email protected] Hiking Group Strenuous Hikes Gail Sousa: [email protected] Alison Doran: [email protected] TOPICAL Moderate/Social Hikes Kathryn Abbott: [email protected] Environmental Committee Chiara Rodriquez: Jane Hotchkiss: [email protected] [email protected] Spiritual Literacy Group Kate Weisman: [email protected] Women’s Forum Joyce Murdoch: [email protected] Membership Programs and Meetups AWA BUDDY PROGRAM CHAT (COME HAVE A TALK) The AWA Buddy Program pairs interested new members with a CHAT is an informal drop-in gathering for members, newcomers, and “Buddy” who helps answer questions about life in Hong Kong and/or non-members. While social distancing measures are in place, join us the AWA. for our regular ZoomCHAT. WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Thursdays (times will vary week to week to COORDINATOR: Alison May, [email protected] accommodate participants in different time zones), except public holidays WHERE: For the invitation link, email susan.orchard@ FOON YING – gmail.com COST: No fee HONG KONG INSIGHTS COORDINATORS: Rachel Bacilla, [email protected] Foon Ying means “welcome” in Cantonese and the whole idea of Susan Orchard, [email protected] these sessions (three sessions over a three-week period) is to embark on adventures and embrace new friendships. The program is great NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEES for both brand-new “Hong Kongers” and those of us who have been here a while and watched our first batch of friends and contacts head If you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join home or off to new pastures. others in your area for a monthly coffee. Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees. WHEN: Every month WHERE: AWA office or alternate location as agreed COORDINATOR: Helen Pott, [email protected] HK SOUTHSIDE MID-LEVELS Jean Han, [email protected] Ana Cahill, [email protected] AWA WISE POK FU LAM AND SHOUSON HILL SAI KUNG Annie Fifer, [email protected] Katherine Fenton, [email protected] A supportive, nurturing networking and professional development group for women, offering workshops on trending topics and DISCOVERY BAY KOWLOON networking meetups with other like-minded women’s groups. AWA Kathryn Abbott, ykathrynabbotty Penny Soder, [email protected] WISE events are open to non-members. @hotmail.com WHEN: Email coordinators or follow AWA WISE on Facebook @awawisehk for event announcements COORDINATORS: Priya Bhasker and Josephine Paris, OWL (OUT WITH THE LADIES) [email protected] Come join us any week or every week – same time, same place (except public holidays). WHEN: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM WHERE: Oolaa, 20 Bridges Street, Soho COORDINATORS: Maureen Brugger, 5504 1515 12 AWARE May 2020 Jennifer Bartolomeo, 9310 5522 CONTACT INFORMATION

About the AWA The AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with more than 650 members from 40 countries. Our mission is to welcome and empower women to connect and contribute in Hong Kong. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. Current members: you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at OWL, at a Neighborhood Coffee or CHAT, or an AWA WISE event. If you have any questions about the AWA, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Phone 2527 2961/2 Fax 2865 7737 EXECUTIVE BOARD [email protected] Hours 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Mon-Thu President Priyanka Agarwal: [email protected] Address No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 1st VP Fundraising Robin Neiterman: [email protected] 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong 2nd VP Membership Gail Sousa: [email protected] Website www.awa.org.hk 3rd VP Activities Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Director of Operations Barbora Mayer: [email protected] Treasurer Alison Doran: [email protected] Membership Representative Joanne Lam: [email protected] Recording Secretary Jessica Cheng: [email protected] Charitable Donations Beth McNicholas: [email protected] Community Service Kim Rehmann: [email protected] COMMUNITY Education & Scholarship Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] COMMUNITY SERVICE [email protected] AWAre Editor Stephanie Chan: [email protected] Sponsorship Debbie Cruikshank: [email protected] Chairperson Kim Rehmann: [email protected] Branding & Communications Soup Kitchen Claudia Ciesielski: [email protected] J’nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] HK Society for the Blind Lee Parr: [email protected] Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: [email protected] Hong Kong Hosts: SOCIAL Adopt a Marine/Sailor Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] China Merchants Wharf Tiffany Broeckelman: [email protected] ACTIVITIES [email protected] 3rd Vice President Natasha Bochorishvili: [email protected] Asian Tours Tracey-Lee Hayes: [email protected] EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP Annie Fifer: [email protected] [email protected] Local Tours Natalia Morrison: [email protected] Chairperson Augusta Nichols-Even: [email protected] English Programs: Kwun Tong Marti Law: [email protected] BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: [email protected] [email protected] Chai Wan Linda Gomoll: [email protected] Kathy Barber: [email protected] Chairperson J'nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] Mei Foo Reading Program Shirley Andruko: [email protected] Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Lai King Karen Prosser: [email protected] J'nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] Interview Coaching Program Katherine Payne: [email protected] Forum Moderator J'nee Hilgers-Easter: [email protected] Dialogue in the Dark Jenlen Ng: [email protected]

Joining the AWA is easy, and all women are MEMBERSHIP [email protected] welcome! Just visit our website at awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961. 2nd Vice President Gail Sousa: [email protected] Membership Discounts [email protected]

May 2020 AWARE 13 JOIN US TODAY

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